ISLAMABAD – The first round of talks between government and religious groups staging protest at the Faizabad interchange in Islamabad ended conclusively, here on Saturday.
The negotiations held at PML-N leader Raja Zafar-ul-Haq’s residence with representatives of the sit-in, ended with a major development as the government signalled that it was willing to withdraw over a dozen cases registered against the protest leaders, including Khadim Hussain Rizvi.
According to multiple media reports, government officials proposed to create a committee pertaining to the resignation demand put forth by religious groups against Law Minister Zahid Hamid.
The government’s side was represented by Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Pir Muhammad Aminul Hasnat Shah and Raja Zafar ul Haq.
The religious groups would deliberate over the recommendations unveiled by the government tonight after which they would respond.
Earlier today, Iqbal ordered the city administration to give protesters blocking the Faizabad Interchange 24 more hours to end the sit-in which has paralysed the city for over 10 days.
